U. Bharath (cbedit@imaws.org)
Despite being blessed with Rameswaram — a major religious tourism spot — lack of industrial growth and tourism promotion seems to have proved detrimental for the growth of the service sector, including food business, in Ramanathapuram district. So much so, the immense tourism potential of the Pamban island remains untapped, contend Ramanathapuram Hoteliers and Bakers Association (RHBA) members.
If the Tamil Nadu government provides the infrastructure for leisure tourism, it would, in turn, help kickstart the local economy and spur the growth of the restaurant sector in the district, say the local restaurateurs. “Over 110 restaurants in Rameswaram would benefit from more tourist attractions, such as water sports, glass-bottom boating service to see coral formations and cable cars, if launched in and around the scenic island,” said P. Somasundaram, President of the Ramanathapuram Hoteliers and Bakers Association.
In a chat with Kitchen Herald, Somasundaram suggested that regular boat rides to the 13 scenic islands situated in the periphery of Rameswaram — in Gulf of Mannar — could boost tourism. “It might greatly contribute to the growth of the local economy, including that of the food sector,” he added.
Poor Industrial Growth Pinches Restaurants
The abysmal industrialisation in the drought-prone district of Tamil Nadu hampers the growth of food businesses, according to the local restaurateurs. The district also suffers from long neglect and step-motherly treatment of both the government and private sectors.
“Nobody is ready to set up their units, factories and establishments — be it a TIDEL park or a marine resources processing facility — in the district because of high salinity of groundwater and some socio-political indicators, among other reasons. This has gravely affected the employment avenues for the local youth, who often are forced to migrate to other cities in search of a livelihood. The ground reality has not changed over the last four decades,” lamented Somasundaram.
‘Establish Seafood Processing Units’
Notwithstanding the thriving seafood segment in the Ramanathapuram district boasting a vast coastline and numerous fishing hamlets — like the Pamban fishing harbour, Mookaiyur fishing harbour, and Dhanushkodi Landing Export Centre — the lack of adequate processing units has seemingly affected its economic growth. A common refrain is that the state government has not initiated any steps to provide employment and other opportunities for the local communities through such units.
“Currently, seafood including fish, crabs and prawns are majorly processed at and transported from Thoothukudi before they are exported to various countries from the commercial port there,” said Somasundaram and added, “There is no visible growth of seafood industries witnessed in the Ramanathapuram district, even though marine exports from the district bring in a lot of foreign exchange revenue to the nation.”
Need for a Brand-New Commercial Harbour
The restaurateurs in the city inform about a natural harbour at Valinokkam, which can be utilised to establish a commercial harbour. “This long-pending demand, if taken forward by the government, would do a world of good to the export of marine resources, which command a high price in overseas markets. This would spur economic activity and increase the spending power of the local communities.”
“Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on the floor of the Assembly that establishment of seafood processing industries would be prioritised. If the government acts on it, it would assure a lot of growth to the neglected district, including our restaurant businesses,” said Somasundaram.
Skyrocketing Input costs
It seems inflated prices of essential commodities also has not augured well for the restaurant owners in the district. “Except abundant seafood, every other essential commodity, such as rice, dal and vegetables are being supplied to us from outside. So, bloated prices are something we are forced to tackle in our business every day, and this makes a huge dent to our profit margin,” asserted Somasundaram.
“Only coconuts and red pepper are locally grown and could be procured for a fair price, but other items have witnessed an inflationary trend. While input costs have risen over the years, restauranteurs are not in a position to increase the cost of food items, as we are operating in a price-sensitive market,” said Somasundaram.
Build Infra Projects, Boost Local Economy
Ramanathapuram’s local economy is in absolute tatters, as traditional occupations, such as palmyra-based cottage industries, have been wiped out over the past few decades, feel local business owners. Some measures such as the resumption of the lost Kodiakkarai rail link — which was washed away in the destructive cyclone that hit the Rameswaram coast in 1964 — and connecting Rameswaram with the neighbouring Sri Lanka through a sea link project, would be highly beneficial for the Ramanathapuram tourism sector.
“The road link project has been initiated by the Indian government recently, but the Sri Lankan government is yet to take the call on the sea link project. Likewise, watersport facilities near Mandapam should be improved to attract footfalls to restaurants operating in the area,” Somasundaram said.
Food safety measures, a top priority
The RHBA is constantly emphasising on the mandatory protocols to be followed by all the member restaurants, such as wearing chef aprons, skullcaps and gloves, obtaining doctor certificates before hiring employees and observing personal hygiene of the service and kitchen staff.
“The state government has prioritised food safety measures over the recent years, and the member restaurants abide by the suggestions of the district collector and designated officer of food safety, even as strict measures are recommended at the tri-monthly meeting convened by the District Level Advisory Committee on Food Safety,” concludes Somasundaram.
